Henry V visits Kenilworth Castle

An actor from the Royal Shakespeare Company visited Kenilworth Castle to honour the historical connection between the castle and the king he portrays, Henry V, in the play of the same name.

Alex Hassell is playing the mediaeval king, who stayed at the castle in 1415 when the French, according to legend, sent him a set of tennis balls to mock his young age at the time, an event which features in Shakespeare’s play.

It may have provoked Henry to invade France, which culminated in his victory over the French army at the Battle of Agincourt.

The play runs until October 25 at the RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, and will be broadcast live in cinemas on Wednesday October 21.